Dartford is to be at the centre of training for the country's leading judo sportsmen and women in the build up to the London 2012 Olympics.

The British Judo Association revealed £5m plans to extend the existing Dartford Judo club, which includes gyms and medical facilities.

Karen Roberts from the association told BBC Radio Kent: "Elite athletes will come together to work in one place.

"We'll start using it in April with work finished by 2010."

Dartford Borough Council has pledged support and will provide land valued at £1.5m for the project.

Alan Roberts, head coach of Dartford Judo Club, says he is pleased the club is entering into partnership with the British Judo Association and believes it will benefit athletes by providing higher levels of training, coaching and facilities.

The centre is currently considered one of the best in the country and funds will need to be raised before the scheme can go ahead.